Hoverboards have taken the world by storm, and it’s not hard to see why. These futuristic machines offer a unique and exciting way to get around, and they’re a lot of fun to ride. However, if you’ve never ridden a hoverboard, it can be a bit intimidating. With the right technique and some practice, though, anyone can learn how to ride a hoverboard like a pro.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from getting started to mastering advanced maneuvers. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to help you stay safe and get the most out of your hoverboard experience. So whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced pro looking to take your skills to the next level.
How to Ride a Hoverboard Step By Step?
How to ride a hoverboard like a pro? So let’s begin without delay!
1. Before You Get on Your Hoverboard
Safety
You don’t want to injure yourself and land in a hospital trying to ride your hoverboard. So safety is a must, and you should consider wearing safety gear before you step on your board. Make sure you have the following:
- Helmet
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Wrist guards
- Tailbone pads
Preparing yourself is necessary for riding your scooter. Hoverboards can travel 8 to 10 miles per hour, so even though it’s not that fast, you can still fall and injure yourself.
Read the Manual
Some brands provide instruction manuals with their hoverboards. Please don’t step on your board before you have read it! You will know the specifications and special precautions that apply to your board.
2. Prepare Your Hoverboard
Buy the One that Fits Your Needs
Note that the headlights on your hoverboard may not totally illuminate your surroundings, so watch out for that raccoon who could run in from the side. You would want to buy one that has excellent lights.
The outer shell may be durable, but the inner side can easily get scratched. And we all know how ugly scratches look and how they mar our otherwise fair ride.
If you don’t have a manual, don’t worry- we will cover everything! You can read our best hoverboard reviews to help you choose the one that fits your needs.
Charge Your Board
The first thing to ensure is that your hoverboard is fully charged. If not, then plug it into the charger and charge it fully. You don’t want the batteries to die while taking your first crucial steps!
You have to be careful when charging the battery. You can only leave the battery plugged in for a few hours. Otherwise, it may damage the battery permanently. That could lead to a permanent issue with the battery, which won’t hold the charge properly.
Switch on Your Hoverboard
Switch on your hoverboard before you do anything by pressing the power button. Most of the time, the power button is located on the rear of the board or the central bottom flap.
Don’t attempt to ride on your board with the power switched off, as you will fall almost instantly. Hoverboards are meant to maintain balance only when they are switched on.
Some hoverboards also provide a learning mode. So if it’s applicable, turn the learning mode on.
Find a Suitable Place
You will want to ride on a plane surface where you can travel in a straight line before learning your turns. It also helps to have support nearby to save yourself from falling while getting up on the board.
Place the board near a wall or pillar, and you are good to go!
3. Getting on the hoverboard
Place your first foot (preferably the dominant one) on the hoverboard and use the other foot to keep the scooter in a level and upright riding stance. Try to place your foot closer to the wheels, far from the center of the board.
When you have balanced yourself, take your other foot off the ground and put it on the hoverboard. Adopt the same manner as your first foot and place it far from the center, nearer to the wheels.
A wide stance will help you bend your knees and balance the board. Some boards also have a flashing LED that tells you when it’s okay to put your second foot. So look out for such signals if your board is equipped with one.
Most hoverboards are engineered to balance you electronically once you step on. Still, you might be wobbly trying to find your center of gravity. Take the help of the wall or pillar until you learn to balance yourself.
Tip: Getting on your hoverboard is similar to climbing upstairs. Don’t overthink too much- place your feet climb on! If you want to learn to ride a hoverboard, you must put your mind and soul into it. It’s similar to learning anything new, so concentrate and focus your mind.
Which Way Should You Get Up?
There’s no front or rear in self-balancing scooters. You can get up either way though some people prefer to ride with the light side forward to see in the dark. Others keep the lights at the back to use them as traffic alerts.
4. Moving Forward and Backward
Once you have mastered standing on the board, you can move forward or backward.
The logic here is simple- you lean forward to go ahead and do the opposite to slow down and go backward. In other words, the hoverboard will move the way you shift your body weight.
So, if you want to move forward, adopt a forward motion to go ahead. You can bend your knees to control the motion effectively but don’t overdo it! If you put too much pressure or lean, you can lose your balance and fall.
Tip: There is a bit of a learning curve for controlling the speed and braking. Begin with slight shifts in weight so you can learn to go ahead slowly and gradually. Leaning increases your speed, but adopt caution to slow down in time instead of hitting an obstacle and flying off!
5. Learning to Turn
If you are a beginner, you should practice riding straight and get used to the feeling. After you can move forward and backward without any problem, it’s time to turn left or right!
Turning on your hoverboard follows the same principles as moving ahead or backward. Each paddle of your hoverboard is independent of the other one so that you can shift pressure on each side.
If you want to turn right, push your left toe forward; if you turn left, move your right toe forward. In other words, you need to shift your body weight opposite the direction you want to turn.
You can also lean your body in the appropriate direction to propel your board in that direction and make a nice and clean turn. Also, while you push one toe forward to turn, ensure that the other foot is stable and in a horizontal position not to lose your balance.
Tip: Adopt slow and gentle movement in the beginning when you are learning to turn. Otherwise, you can spin off and hit the ground!
6. Stepping Off the Hoverboard
Getting off the hoverboard will require practice before you can do it confidently. Like getting on the board, you must take one step at a time.
The trick is to get off the board backward instead of forwards. If you are getting off from the front, your foot can put pressure on and shoot the hoverboard ahead!
The same is less likely to happen when you step back from your board. Also, don’t make the mistake of jumping off the board- step down usually.
Keep Practicing
Getting on and off your hoverboard can take a long time, so you should keep practicing. Once you have mastered the art, your confidence will increase along with your balance.
The same also applies to the whole of the self-balancing scooter learning experience. You can read manuals and watch countless videos, but unless you adopt perseverance, you won’t succeed!
So take each step at a time and practice as much as possible before hitting the streets! Learning to Ride Your Hoverboard like a Pro.
7. Riding your Board Backwards
It’s not that hard to ride your board backward after you get the hang of it. Just shift your body weight backward by leaning back, and the board will reverse.
8. How to Spin on Your Scooter
You must have seen people spinning on their hoverboards and want to do the same to show your friends. Once you have some experience in riding and turning, you can try to learn the art of spinning!
To spin, you need to put pressure on the toes and heels of the feet opposite each other. You must put pressure on the right ankle and left toe to spin right.
On the other hand, put pressure on your left ankle and right toe to make a left spin.
Tip: Like the other steps, start with gentle pressure and up the difficulty meter.
9. Riding Your Hoverboard on Slopes
Most hoverboards can ride 15 to 20 degrees inclines, while others can handle higher terrains. You should be cautious and take it slow when you encounter slopes for the first time.
Once you have handled a few slopes, it will be easy, and you will not lose your balance.
Tips for Learning to Ride Hoverboards
Mind the Terrain
You will want to practice on a plane or concrete surface when you are in the learning phase. Try to avoid bumps or potholes which can make you fall.
After gaining some riding experience, you can try offroading or tackling hilly terrains, bumps, and curbs. Keep the condition of the road you are riding in your mind and adjust your riding style accordingly.
Keep Eyes Forward
This is true for all vehicles- you must keep your eyes forward and on the road. Please don’t get distracted, as you might hit an obstacle or lousy patch of the road when you take your eyes off it!
Keep a Tab on Your Speed
The faster you move, the more careful you should be. Hoverboards don’t generally go over 10 miles per hour, but that can also turn serious if you have a collision or fall.
Some boards make a beeping sound when you reach top speeds, and you should consider slowing down. Also, bend your knees to get more control over your riding stance.
Stay Safe at Night
Some hoverboards come with LED lights which help cars and other motorists see you. Wear bright clothes or reflective jackets to increase visibility if you don’t have lights.
You can also stick a few reflective stickers on your hoverboard, so other vehicles can see you.
Don’t Treat Your Hoverboard as a Skateboard
The two things are not the same! So don’t try the stunts and tricks you do on your skateboard on your hoverboard. You will only increase your chances of getting injured!
Necessary safety precautions for hoverboard
1. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Wearing the right safety gear when using a hoverboard is essential for keeping safe. Appropriate gear includes a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and other protective gear.
2. Check the Hoverboard: Before using a hoverboard, check to ensure it is in good working condition. Inspect the wheels and battery connections for any signs of damage or wear.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Hoverboards can move quickly, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, pets, and other potential hazards.
4. Never Ride Alone: Never ride a hoverboard alone. It is best to ride with someone experienced in using a hoverboard.
5. Stay Away From Water: Hoverboards and water do not mix. Never ride a hoverboard near water or in wet conditions, as it can cause a short circuit and electric shock.
6. Never Exceed the Weight Limit: Most hoverboards are designed to handle a certain weight limit. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum weight limit and never exceed it.
7. Pay Attention to Speed: Hoverboards can move quickly, so it’s important to pay attention to your speed. Going too fast can lead to an accident, so it’s best to take it slow and steady.
8. Practice Before Going Out: Before using a hoverboard in public, it is best to practice using it in a safe area, such as a park or backyard. This will help you become familiar with the controls and how to maneuver them properly.
I love hoverboard. It’s my wish to ride it, after reading your post, i am excited to try hoverboard by following your tips. Hopefully i will become expert in it very soon.